The number of Covid-19 cases in the Cook Islands has now passed 500, but public health experts are expecting many more to come.

Figures from Te Marae Ora show that for Tuesday, there were 60 cases of Covid-19, bringing the overall total to 536 (as of 8pm last night). Of that total, there were 394 active cases and 142 recovered cases.

While the daily number was down on the previous day’s 86 – the highest so far, Cook Islands public health expert Dr Doug Lush said there were several variables.

“We expect there to be variations from day to day, but the overall trend is one of increasing numbers over the next few weeks,” Lush said.

There are still no hospitalisations in the Cook Islands due to Covid-19.

Lush said there could be all sorts of reasons for the slightly lower number on Tuesday, including fewer people getting tested.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has urged people displaying symptoms to get tested, and Lush echoed this demand.

 “We need to get everyone affected tested,” Lush said.

“We haven’t changed our main public health messages. That is to keep social distancing, wash your hands, and wear a mask.”

Testing in Rarotonga will take place at the five public health clinics from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm, while the Kavera testing station will be open Monday to Friday, 4pm-7pm and the Airport testing station will also be open during Air Rarotonga’s operating hours for a fee of $10.